Hunter of the Evernight
Chapter 445: Perseverance

Chapter 445: Perseverance

Emily sat in place, her expression inscrutable as she found herself inexplicably drawn to the scenes happening about her.

Children struggling to remain calm after what was otherwise a chilling encounter with death, parents unable to stop themselves from remaining calm as realization dawned on them that they had lost everything and those like her who couldn’t get the image of a burning Livermore out of their heads.

Even though it hadn’t been a long time, she’d come to call Livermore home, taking its people as her own.

This was why the disaster that struck it caused her to feel a deep sense of loss though she was quick to recover.

Perhaps it was because of her past experiences with death and destruction which left her desensitized to the carnage.

Of course, that was merely a lie she told herself to prevent her mind from wandering.

Taking a deep breath, she shifted her gaze from the things happening about her to the bowl of soup she had.

After the unavoidable fall of Livermore, Arthur, her supposed uncle, had managed to save several citizens who without his help would have turned into meals for either the undead or the Night Kindred.

He took the role of leader and led them into this tunnel that he’d utilized for some of his dealings with the black market.

The tunnel, a reminder of an era better left in the past, was outfitted with quite a few useful things like torches which helped to ensure illumination and warmth, and a temporary source of water which ensured no one grew thirsty for the moment.

Of course, the soup she had on her lap wasn’t another ingenious provision from him.

In actuality, it was from those he’d led to safety.

In their haste, they had managed to bring along a few food items which merging resulted in the mishmash of what she called soup.

Emily let out a sigh, a soft smile playing on her lips as she couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride in human resilience.

Even when it seemed like all hope was lost, they still managed to find a way to keep going.

Picking up the bowl, Emily drank its contents almost greedily, leaving nothing behind even as the negative aspects of the meal threatened to overwhelm her taste buds.

Soon, she was done and a satisfied sigh escaped her lips.

Raising her head once more to regard the sight once more, there seemed to be a subtle shift.

The parents focused on their children, satisfied with the fact that they’d at least saved their offspring from the disaster that claimed their homes. The children stayed in their parents’ embrace seeking comfort and for those like her... they gathered around, seeking comfort from one another.

Unknowingly, a smile appeared at the corners of her lips at the uplifting sight.

Just then, familiar footsteps echoed causing those in the underground camp to grow wary though they immediately broke into relieved signs on seeing those that had arrived.

"Hello everyone, we managed to create an exit and it’s close to an abandoned town." Arthur began, his voice calm and deliberate.

Due to his heroic efforts, everyone had begun to naturally see him as their leader and he didn’t prove himself unworthy as he displayed leadership skills comparable to a tried and tested monarch.

"Now we have a few options; we could leave the tunnel now and head to the abandoned town, try to scavenge what we can so we could have supplies while waiting for help from the Imperial army.

"We could also consider remaining in the tunnels and making our way to a populated town to see if they’d accept us. There’s also the option of remaining in these tunnels and lastly, we could return to Livermore."

Taking a moment to find everyone listening closely, Arthur gave his candid opinion. "In all honesty, the first seems the best of our options. Though it sounds dangerous, an abandoned town means it has already suffered an attack from the Vampires. As long as we lay low, we can ensure it doesn’t suffer another attack.

"The second option isn’t wise as though we managed to gather enough food for today, what of tomorrow or the next?... How much longer before we’d start dropping like flies as the next populated town is almost certainly in a state of high alert and would find it difficult to take in all of us?

"The third option is also unwise as these tunnels are not conducive for our group. We have kids, pregnant women, and old men. The probability of fatalities amongst them is high and the last one... well, I wouldn’t advise it. However, it is up to you all as they all have their advantages and disadvantages, so everyone should come together and make a consensus. Once done, we can set out."

With that, Arthur excused himself while the others gathered to make a decision.

Taking the opportunity, Emily slipped away unnoticed and moved to join Arthur.

"Hey." She muttered shyly, unsure of how to start.

Arthur glanced at her. "Hoh, where is Ms. Fierce?"

"What?"

"Hmm, you aren’t her. What have you done to my goddaughter?"

"Are you serious?"

"What?... Ms. Fierce is an apt way to describe you."

"You are unbelievable."

"There she is," Arthur remarked with a chuckle while adding. "I’d thought the attack caused you to retreat into yourself again."

Emily tried to speak but held back, knowing that Arthur’s actions were from a good place.

Pouting, she remarked. "I’m not some weak girl that can’t handle the real world."

"Yet, here we are."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Absolutely nothing."

"Is it too late to leave?"

Arthur chuckled. "Afraid so."

"Hmmph." Crossing her arms, Emily turned away with her eyes closed, perhaps in an attempt to earn a brief respite from Arthur.

Seconds passed before he spoke again, his tone slightly more serious. "I plan on informing Douglas about what happened. I believe it’s time he comes to pick you up."

"That’s hardly necessary."

"The next couple of weeks here are going to be difficult, Emily. I’m trying my best but there’s no way we’d all be able to survive Astra as is."

"So you’d rather send me away to someplace safe?"

"It’s for your good."

"No, it’s not and you know it. First, Douglas, now you. Why is everyone treating me like I can’t handle things?"

"Can you?"

Emily paused, her eyes meeting Arthur’s own as silence persisted for a moment.

Moments passed before she replied. "I can learn. So let me."

"..." Arthur made no effort to respond as he kept on staring.

Feeling uncomfortable, Emily added. "I just can’t stand to not do anything. Douglas is out there struggling to find a way to save Alex and me... With everything that’s happened, I want to do something that matters."

"You aren’t obligated to do so."

"I know." Emily softly muttered. "But I want to."

"I see." Arthur nodded. "You Regulus siblings are quite an interesting trio."

Then, he calmly added. "Fine then, since you want to help, get ready, I’m going to make you work."

A warm smile blossomed on Emily’s lips at the words followed by a rather energetic response. "Alright!"

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